The C.A.M. Report
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fair, Balanced, and to the Point
  • About this web log

    This blog ran from 2006 to 2016 and was intended as an objective and dispassionate source of information on the latest CAM research. Since my background is in pharmacy and allopathic medicine, I view all CAM as advancing through the development pipeline to eventually become integrated into mainstream medical practice. Some will succeed while others fail. But all are treated fairly here.

  • About the author

    John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

  • Common sense considerations

    The material on this weblog is for informational purposes. It is not medical advice or counsel. Be smart, consult your health professional before using CAM.

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    Benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in people with HIV

    hiv_aidsThe effect of a dietary omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on triglycerides and markers of insulin sensitivity was investigated by researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine, in Boston.

    First, the details.

    • 54 people with HIV and high triglyceride blood levels (greater than 150 mg/dL) and/or abnormal Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index values (a calculation based on fasting blood sugar and insulin levels) were recruited.
    • They were randomly placed on a controlled diet or uncontrolled (placebo) diet.
    • The diet controlled for glucose intake, and omega-3 fatty acids intake was maintained at 6 grams/day.
    • The study duration was 13 weeks.

    And, the results.

    • Triglyceride blood levels in the diet group decreased but remained stable in the control group — a significant difference.
    • There was a significant decrease in phospholipid fatty acid blood levels with the diet, which indicate a decrease in lipid metabolism.
    • There was also a significant decrease in arachidonic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) in the diet group.
    • There was no significant difference in insulin values after 3 weeks.

    The bottom line?

    So, following a diet that controls for sugar intake and omega-3 fatty acid is a good thing for people with HIV.

    12/17/09 20:07 JR

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